Oh man, I wanted to like this book so much. That cover? That blurb? All of it sucked me in. Unfortunately, what's beyond that just didn't manage to engage me.

Six months out of jail, Salvador "Ghost" Rosas is trying to get his act together. His brother will be out in a couple of months, so he's trying to save up some money so they can get a place together and stay out of trouble. Working two jobs and staying in Vanessa Velasco's garage is where he spends his time.

Vanessa Velasco is the neighborhood good girl. However, in high school she fell in love with one of the members of the local gang. Young love also brought with it an unexpected pregnancy. Five years later and Vanessa is a single mom and widow. But she hasn't let any of that stop her from pursuing her dreams.

Told entirely from Sal's first person POV, I couldn't quite get into this story. Normally I'm not one who really has any issues with first person POV, but here it just didn't work for me. Too much internal monologue to keep me interested. I found myself bored way too many times.

Also, the writing is very choppy and stilted. I like to find a rhythm to my reading and I just couldn't get that here. The transitions from one scene to the next were sloppy as well. I'd check back to see if I missed reading a sentence that moved me from one scene to the next or from one day to the next, but alas, it would turn out I didn't.

And while I really wanted to root for Sal and Vanessa, I just didn't feel any spark between them. Nothing really clicked. I could sympathize with Sal and his battle with trying not to get pulled back into the gang life and becoming the man he wanted to be, and that he thought Vanessa deserved, but the author just didn't pull much more emotion out of me.

I also really couldn't wrap my head around Vanessa. She didn't feel like a fully developed character. I wanted more information about what she wanted out of life. What kind of future did she want for her and her daughter? She both was and wasn't hesitant with Sal. I don't think the inner turmoil the author wanted to portray with her getting involved with another gangbanger came through. At least not for me. BUT, I will give her major props for being a total sex kitten between the sheets. She's was up for anything. And I love a woman who owns her sexual cravings.

The whole brewery aspect of the story felt forced and out of place. I didn't understand its inclusion here. It didn't really add much to the story or to the development of Sal's character. I'm kind of left scratching my head when it comes to that.

Finally, I will add that this book is not a standalone. While the relationship aspect is fully resolved, there are still issues with the gang and other things which I won't spoil that will carry over into the next book (which will be Sal's brother's book).

Overall, this was a story that I really wanted to like, but just couldn't get invested in. It bums me out because there was a lot of potential here.

I was so excited to read Thirsty. I have a weird fascination with romance novels that feature ex-cons. Plus, the characters in this book were POC, so I was definitely looking forward to reading it. I was surprised to find that the book was told entirely in Salvador's POV. I haven't read many romance novels that have been told in the hero's POV so I was excited to read more. Sal was a great guy, which I know is such a weird thing to say about a criminal who just got out of jail, but trust me. He was a hard worker and willing to go to lengths to make those around him happy. He was also trying his very best to make sure that he was living an honest life now that he was out of prison. Those are great qualities for a romance hero to have. I liked Vanessa, the heroine, too. She was feisty and fun, and perfectly balanced out Salavador's personality. Together their chemistry was potent. We also get to watch them connect emotionally throughout the book. Vanessa has a daughter and I would have liked to see Sal connect more with her as well. So what went wrong for me if the characters were decent enough? The storyline. I didn't think it was all that exciting and I thought it dragged, especially in the beginning chapters. I wanted more romance and more of the brewery, which really didn't come up until the end. I also was put off by the sex scenes in this book. I was screenshotting scenes to Ari because I couldn't believe how weirdly descriptive they were. I didn't like a lot of the word choices the author used to describe these sex scenes, and there was quite a few of them, which I ended up skimming. As you can tell, my reasons for not fully enjoying this book were definitely personal, but I'm sure there will be authors who will enjoy this one. Give it a shot if it's your jam! :)

fun, sexy read. I loved the characters and the story line. It's much more than a typical romance story.
But I feel like something was missing or maybe I just wasn't that into it as much as I wanted to be.
At first I wasn't into it.
I'm glad I finished it.
Honestly, the last 20% of the book made me really reconsider the book as a whole and how truly amazing this story is, the characters are well developed.
CLIFFHANGER!! omg! I'm actually looking forward to the next book.

“The human heart. It needs to be soft enough to feel things but hard enough to survive them.”
I love when you start out reading a book, thinking you’re going to get one type of story, but instead get something different. Something SO much better, and Thirsty may just be the best book I’ve read so far this year. With its unique plot and compelling characters, this was a book I had a hard time putting down.

Salvador Rosas was recently released after a five year stint in prison. It’s not anyplace he’d like to return to, so he’s keeping his nose clean, working two part-time jobs. When he gets tossed from the couch he’d been sleeping on (through no fault of his own), he ends up making a deal with a neighborhood grandmother – exchanging garage-cleaning services for a place to sleep.

However, Vanessa – the granddaughter – is not pleased to have a former gangbanger, ex-felon, living in her garage. Not at first, anyway. She’s already had her heart broken by a former member of Sal’s gang, and with a daughter to raise, she’s not interested in playing that song and dance again. But she sees something different in Sal, and soon becomes his strongest support and his biggest reason to make a new life for himself, away from the gang.

Sal is the best kind of hero. Strong and determined, he wants a better life than what he has. He’s not perfect and makes mistakes, but doesn’t make excuses for the bad choices he makes. And those bad choices? He’s wedged between a rock and a hard place, with no real way out. This is Sal’s story of learning how to be the kind of man he wants to be, and that while the love of a good woman is an excellent motivator, you ultimately have to make those choices for yourself. Sal and Vanessa’s relationship is equal parts sweet – as two young people who are falling in love can be, and steamy – as you would expect from two young people who have already lived a lifetime’s worth of sorrow in the gang-infested neighborhoods of Eastside Los Angeles.

The whole book is told from Sal’s point of view. I laughed at his internal monologue, I cheered his determination, I happy-sighed when he found happiness and peace with Vanessa, and I ached for him when he made a mistake and things fell apart. I think it’s worth noting that I frequently don’t like first-person point of view narrations – they lend themselves to being too much in the character’s head, and tend to repeat the same thoughts over and over. This was not the case here, and I loved being inside Sal’s head. From beginning to end his story was beautiful, hopeful, and uplifting.

I’ve never read another story with a plot anything like this one – and I’ve literally read hundreds of books. The writing was superb, the character’s voice was refreshing, real, and at times raw. And the chemistry between Sal and Vanessa was off-the-charts hot. I loved every page, every paragraph of this book, and it’s been a long while since I’ve said that. I can hardly wait for the next book in this series!!!

* thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept for proving an ARC in exchange for an honest review

I am now a big fan of Mia Hopkins! This book was hot, hot, hot! I loved Sal and Vanessa’s story. This book read very true to life about a second chance and life and true love after being incarcerated. I know about gang members and even went to a high school with gangs. However, I was pulled in with the story because of the in depth details of the gang and how they work. Once a member always a member. Vanessa a clean cut girl (accountant) living in the bario has somehow not been involved with the gang with the exception of her first husband. I highly recommend Thirsty for all who want to broaden their knowledge of gangs and romance.

I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I’ve expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

So this book was about Ghost's journey to re-invent himself and find happiness after getting out of jail. Which may or may not include hooking up with an old crush of his.
I had hesitations about this book due to my excitement of reading a Mexican character connected with my disappointment that he was in a gang. Many of the Mexican characters are portrayed in connection with gangs or gang culture and it gets very tiring for me.
Despite this, I found this story to be very beautiful and emotional. I loved the main character Ghost, I felt for him and I never stopped supporting him from the first page to the very end. The romance was delightful and well-written. I found that I genuinely enjoyed this book more than most romance books I read. So if you love romance and are in the mood for something a cut above the rest, definitely check this book out.

A hot steamy romance that will be certain to warm up anyone's cold winter/spring nights.

4.5 stars. This is my first read by this author and I like her writing. Terrific storyline with interesting characters. The story started out as a slow burn toward a beautiful love story. A wonderfully crafted world for our lovers. I loved Ghost and his struggle to stay on the right side of the law plus he was sexy dirty with a capital D. The chemistry between him and Vanessa was off the charts. Vanessa was a strong and sassy heroine. Satisfying ending and great epilogue. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC from NetGalley.

Sal is an ex gang member trying to stay out of trouble when he ends up meeting Vanessa in her grandmother's garage. Vanessa knows all about the gang life and doesn't want anything to do with it. The chemistry between these two is off the charts. Will they be able to overcome their pasts to have a future together? Read on to find out. This was my first book by this author and I will be looking for more in this series.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Thirsty was a great 5 star read.

Ghost (Salvador) is out of prison and is trying to get his life back in order again and get his own apartment by the time his brother gets out of prison so they both have a place. He is currently staying at in Vanessa’s garage.

Vanessa has known Ghost for years. She is a single mom due to the death of her child's father, who was also a gang member like Ghost. She is a strong woman who decides to give Ghost that chance he’s asking for.

These two end up getting closer and agree to have a two month steamy relationship.

Can they only keep it to two months? When the old life comes back to haunt Ghost, will he be able to keep his promise to Vanessa?

Nothing is ever free. Not a single GD thing. You will pay for it. Maybe not today, but you will.

There is so much to this great read. The secondary characters were great and added a good element to the story. I was pulled in right from the beginning and was on the edge of my seat hoping that Ghost can get what he wants in the end. Vanessa was a strong woman who doesn’t like to be lied to and was great for Ghost. The ending was good and we are left with a heck of a shocking surprise that definitely leads into the next book. I can’t wait to get my hands on it and see where this goes. Mia Hopkins has done a great job with Ghost’s story and I can’t wait to read more.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewed by MAustin from Alpha Book Club

Thirsty by Mia Hopkins is the first book in the Eastside Brewery series, and you can bet I’m interested in reading book two, Trashed. As my first Mia Hopkins read this one certainly grabbed my attention, and I’m curious to see what else the author has to offer.

I’ll be completely honest by saying I went into this one with some expectations in my mind. I was expecting another gritty gangster read, was expecting something a little bit dark and all the other associated expectations one has when they convince themselves they have found another good gangster romance. While this was a fun gangster romance, it was not the kind of story I expected it to be.

In many ways, this one was much lighter than the usual gangster read I pick up. I wasn’t expected a full-blown dark and gritty mob read, but I was expecting a lot of hard characters and plenty of examples of life on the street. This one surprised me by offering up less of these things than I had anticipated. These elements occurred throughout the story, but they were mostly in the background – the main story was actually a rather sweet contemporary read.

In many ways, it was a much deeper story than I had thought I would receive. I adore it when books surprise you in this way, when you go in expecting one thing only to be given another. The main romance story was great, there was plenty of stuff occurring in the background to keep you turning the pages, and it was all much softer than I’d imagined it would be. It was sweet, it had emotion, and there was much more to the story than you would believe when you first start this one.

Without a doubt, this one surprised me. I enjoyed this one for reasons completely different to what I had expected, and I’m super interested in seeing what the second book brings.

After spending five years in prison, Salvador Rosas is doing his best to stay out of trouble. However, it isn't easy when he can't get free of the Eastside Hollenback gang; the gang his father was a part of and the same gang that he's done his best to stay away from. Yet, there's one bright spot in his life and that's Vanessa Valesco. Will he be able to get himself free of the gang to be able to have a future with Vanessa, or will he lose his chance at happy ever after because his past keeps coming back to haunt him?

What an absolutely enthralling, fast-paced, wonderful read Ms. Hopkins has delivered in this first book of her Eastside Brewery series where the storyline kept me entertained from start to finish because of what Salvador has been through and what he goes through with the gang that had me concerned for his well-being; the main characters were compelling and had me loving the banter between them as well as their growing relationship; and the secondary characters in the heroine's daughter and grandma had me smiling. Since the heroine's daughter is adorable while the heroine's grandmother loves to tease her.

The way this story started with the hero had me sympathizing with him because he hasn't done anything wrong, and yet, it feels like he's in big trouble because of something his friend has done. Will he be able to smooth things over for his friend or has his friend ruined things beyond repair? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine came face-to-face for the first time that had me completely intrigued by this story because of the heroine's reaction to the hero. Why is she so against her grandmother's plan to help Salvador? Will she be able to accept what her grandmother has agreed to with the hero?

As for the main characters, I absolutely loved the hero, as he's worked hard to overcome his past, and yet, it seems it's always going to be hard to fully extricate himself from the gang. Moreover, the hero has done everything possible to start over and has worked hard to turn his life around. I also liked his confidence and how determined he was to win the heroine over, even if it means agreeing to her two-month plan. Will they be able to walk away at the end of the two months? Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero is that he's loyal and honourable and I could understand why he would do anything to make things right for the heroine especially after what happens that makes their relationship goes awry.

While the heroine, she's been through so much and I could understand why she finds it hard to give another man a chance after all that she went through with her ex. Yet, in saying that, she's resilient, courageous and I liked that she took a chance on the hero because he's a good guy, even though he finds it hard to break away from the gang; a gang that could land him in trouble again if he's not careful. Will he be willing to risk everything he's worked so hard for since getting out of jail to help the Eastside Hollenback gang again? However, what I liked most of all about the heroine was the close relationship she shared with her daughter who is adorable and her grandmother who is an absolute hoot at times with her teasing, especially since she sees how happy Salvador makes Vanessa.

Overall, this story was a worthwhile read filled with plenty of chemistry between the hero and heroine that spilled over onto the pages in steamy sex scenes that encompass a lot of heat and passion. However, it was the ending that wrapped this story up perfectly, as I felt sorry for the hero because of what he goes through, but I liked the decision he made to get his life on track without fear of repercussions. I also liked what Salvador received in the end in order to help him work towards a career. Yet, it's how things worked out for the best between the hero and heroine that I loved so much about the end of this book. I would recommend Thirsty by Mia Hopkins, if you enjoy the opposites attract trope or books by authors Sierra Simone, Alexis Daria, Kate Cantarbury and Alisha Rai.

The first novel in the Eastside Brewery series follows Salvador Rosas and his rise from the ashes of his past. Mia Hopkins completely blew my expectations with Sal and his story is one you can't miss!

Sal has spent the last five years in prison and is working to clean up his life. Working two night jobs to save up for an apartment and avoiding contact with his gang, Eastside Hollenbeck, he struggles everyday to keep the past in the past and the future fixed firmly in his mind. An older woman in the neighborhood takes mercy on him and offers him a place to live, which puts him closer to his one true desire, Vanessa Velasco. As their relationship grows, Sal is shown that there is more to life than the gang and the anxiety that plagues can be overcome.

I like that Thirsty doesn't romanticize gang life, but instead shows a troubled youth rising above that lifestyle to live an honest life and find passion in something meaningful. It wasn't easy for Sal, but he found things more important than risking his life for the whims of others. I was surprised that the story was written in only his perspective, but I found that I quite liked it that way. Sal has the kind of voice that you don't want to interrupt. He's honest about his flaws and when he realizes that it's okay to care deeply for others and show it he seems all the more real.

I found a striking similarity between Sal and the Fuentes brothers from Simone Elkeles Perfect Chemistry series, so I felt a little nostalgic while reading Thirsty. Mia Hopkins did a superb job creating this character and building his life in a way that readers can understand. I made it through all the drama and tension of story with my heart intact, but the ending actually left me surprised and salivating for more!
*ARC provided in consideration for review*

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed it. The storyline is believable and the characters are well developed. Great chemistry between Sal and Vanessa.

Favorite Quote: “You want a hero. Before we start, you should know—I’m not him. I’m not your hero. A hero is Prince charming, a firefighter, a cowboy. He’s handsome and perfect. He’s probably white. He has his shite together. None of that is me.”

Salvador (Sal) Rosa has just been released from prison after serving a five year stretch for boasting cars and other charges.Working two jobs, he’s trying to make a new life for himself and his younger brother. A member of the East Side Hollenbeck’s (ESHB), Sal knows he has to stay clear to make it but once your part of the gang, you’re in for life.

Vanessa Velasco may be from the neighborhood but she is slowly digging her way out with a good job, college, and a fiery attitude. A single mom whose husband died because of the ESHB, she has no use for the gangs or gangbangers. When Sal finds himself homeless when he’s kicked off a friend’s couch, Vanessa reluctantly offers him a bed

As Sal and Vanessa dance around their attraction to each other, ample opportunities arise for Sal and he finds himself suddenly learning how to make craft beer and liking it. But when the gang calls him back in, Sal has to make a choice and one that will keep him and everyone he loves alive because he now has something and someone to live for.

Thirsty is my first book by Mia Hopkins but not my last. Bold and unapologetic, Hopkins takes readers deep into a gang infested barrio and introduces us to a young man whose life was predestined but whose need for change has him fighting against the only world he’s ever known. Well written with honest descriptions, vibrant characters, and an impacting narrative, Hopkins captures her protagonist’s thoughts and emotions perfectly while building a thought-provoking base on which to showcase them. Though touted primarily as a romance, there is much more at work here. The romance is but a solitary element in this story about family, obligations, second chances and redemption. The focus on two people who are trying to move beyond choices they have made and learn to trust as they enter into a new chapter in their lives.

Hopkins characterization is exceptional. Each character she has built is a three dimensional experience in their dialogue and and actions. Their frank candor holds no secrets as everyone tells you exactly what they think. Sal is brutally honest though it is tempered depending on whom he is speaking too. The drama and angst of the various relationships Sal has with others are realistic and justified. Layered and complicated, Hopkins digs deep beneath the stereotypes to slowly re-image this man. He makes no apologies for his past or present. He is a gangbanger. His gang affiliation is what sent him to prison. He was born into the life and now faces the uphill battle of trying to survive beyond it. We watch as Sal is forced to see himself through the eyes of others; having to prove he is more than just a gangbanger and a convicted felon.

Hopkins addresses many topics throughout the story, weaving them within the narrative. She talks about the gang culture and it’s allure, showing us the emotional, mental, and physical needs it can fill and the ramifications of trying to break free from it. It works its way into the romance as they all go hand in hand with helping to explain how Sal views him as individual and as a potential boyfriend/lover. The romance itself is hot and heavy; very sexually explicit with heavy erotic flavor. This couple is free in and out of bed with nothing off limits. Their age and past experiences played a heavy part in that freedom.

Vanessa is one tough cookie who was on the fast track to college when she was waylaid by a pregnancy, marriage and widowhood all by age 18. She worked hard to make a life for herself and her daughter and refuses to let anyone destroy it. I appreciated the fact that Vanessa’s deceased husband wasn’t made a villain to justify being with Sal.She was able to love them both with no excuses.

Various people are introduced who all effect Sal in some form or fashion. Vanessa, her daughter and grandmother become a pseudo family for Sal and show him that despite his past actions, the neighborhood looks out for its own. His bosses who want to profit off his gang affiliation, the gang who demand his allegiance, and the the geeky hipster who sees him more than a gangbanger and offers him a whole new world. Various subplots intertwine with the main plot, adding depth and offering clues for what’s to come.

The ending resolves the main conflict and clears the way for Sal and Vanessa’s future but leaves us with nothing concrete. Revelations are made towards the end that changes everything I for one can’t wait to see what Hopkins has in store for Sal’s brother-Eddie.

GRADE: B

Four+ hot, dirty, gritty, Sal-loving stars.

It was love at first read for me with Sal. This guy is not my usual book boyfriend. In fact he's the opposite - poor, young, unsure of himself, vulnerable. But I fell for him nonetheless. Because he's real and selfless. He just wants to work hard, not for himself, but for the people he loves.

Through Sal's eyes, Mia took me to Eastside LA. I rode the bus and train with him to the gym in Santa Monica, the spa, the bar where he makes beer with Alan. I met real people - from Chinita to Spider to Barry to Vanessa and her daughter and learned a lot about a culture I'm only semi-familiar with.

Speaking of Vanessa - I think she's great. A heroine who knows her own mind, is strong, determined, resolute, beautiful, hot. According to Sal, she smells divine. And that's where my nitpick with the book lies. Vanessa is perfect because the reader sees her from the hero's POV. A hero, who is in love with her. I didn't see a flaw because Sal didn't see it. I understand why the book is told this way - first person limited POV. For the most part, it works. I just wish we know more about Vanessa's character weaknesses.

This is the first book by Mia Hopkins that I've ever read and I can say I like her style. Once I have more time, I'll delve into her backlist and read more of her books.

I requested the ARC of Thirsty from NetGalley and was given the book in exchange for an honest review.

ARC cordially provided by Netgalley
Fist time Mia Hopkins reader and I really njoyed her writing. I specifically liked that it was in his POV n that it concentrated on his life rather than just the female protogonist~very refreshing and really looking forward to 'Trouble'!

"Thirsty" (Eastside Brewery Book 1) by Mia Hopkins is a great read. I enjoyed Salvador and Vanessa's story. This story is a good start to this new series, packed with interesting characters, some humor, gang life, second chances, passion, twists and turns, and more. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next in "Trashed". Recommend to all fans of contemporary stories, passion, and series.

"Thirsty (Eastside Brewery #1)" is mainly about Sal, a gangster, recently released from prison, trying to get his life on track and stay out of trouble; and Vanessa, a single mom who has always fought to succeed, despite where she’s from. I enjoyed this book. I found it refreshing to read a romance (with some heat) from a male POV, and to hear about neighborhood loyalty and the struggles that come along with growing up surrounded by the gangster lifestyle.
I took me a few chapters to get to know the characters, but eventually I felt like I had a pretty good grasp on what they were all about. Because this book is the first in a series, there were some parts to the storyline that seemed extraneous, and sort of just hung out there for no apparent reason. My thinking is that this was most likely character background for a future storyline, so I’m willing to overlook them (for now). By the end, you are definitely ready to see what is next for Sal, Vanessa and their family.

This was not my favorite of books. I felt as if the hero was always putting himself down, and that was not okay. The story moved too fast and it was too predictable.